AGGRESSIVE, EXPERIENCED AND FEARLESS FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAWYERS WHO ARE DEDICATED TO THE DEFENSE OF THOSE ACC– — USED OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FRAUD OR AB– — USE

The United States Government is prosecuting individuals for Medicare fraud and Medicaid fraud like never before. There is so much pressure on the federal government to catch and prosecute those who are abusing the system, many times doctors, that a multitude of good, innocent people are being falsely accused. In those cases where a suspect is guilty of some improper conduct, the United States Attorney’s Office is so over-zealous that charges are embellished and the potential punishment no longer fits the crime.

Aside from the potential fines for Medicare fraud the federal government pursues prison sentences as a punishment for violations. Usually clinics and doctors are the most commonly charged in Medicare fraud or abuse cases.

WE CAN HELP YOU

Our clients are both Medicaid recipients as well as providers such as doctors, dentists, clinics, nursing home managers, pharmacists, home care providers, laboratory owners and operators, and ambullette transportation business owners who have been accused of administrative or criminal violations of any of the Michigan or the United States’ Medicaid rules. We have all the necessary experience and resources to handle your case at any stage from the initial investigation of fraud claims to trial if necessary.

Who is the best attorney to protect you if you are accused of Medicare or Medicaid fraud? We hope that you will consider LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., Michigan’s Premier Criminal Defense Law Firm. We have a team of federal criminal defense attorneys who are known to be a credible threat to the United States Attorney and we are not afraid to win! If you would like a free consultation and case evaluation relative to your federal criminal charges, please call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. at (248) 263-6800 or fill out a Request for Assistance Form and one of the law firm’s owners/partners will promptly contact you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a federal/state cost-sharing program that provides health care to people who are unable to pay for such care.

What is Medicare? Medicare is federal system of health insurance for people over 65 years of age and for certain younger people with disabilities.

What is Medicaid Fraud? Medicaid providers include doctors, dentists, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, clinics, counselors, personal care/homemaker chore companies, and any other individual or company that is paid by the Medicaid program. If a provider intentionally misrepresents the services rendered, and therefore increases their reimbursement from Medicaid, provider fraud has occurred.

What is Medicare Fraud? Medicare fraud happens when Medicare is billed for services or supplies you never got. Medicare fraud costs Medicare a lot of money each year. Abuse occurs when doctors or suppliers don’t follow good medical practices, resulting in unnecessary costs to Medicare, improper payment, or services that aren’t medically necessary.

What are some examples of Medicaid or Health Care fraud?

Billing for medical services not actually performed, known as phantom billing;

Billing for a more expensive service than was actually rendered, known as upcoding;

Billing for several services that should be combined into one billing, known as unbundling;

Billing twice for the same medical service;

Dispensing generic drugs and billing for brand-name drugs;

Giving or accepting something in return for medical services, known as a kickback;

Bribery;

Providing unnecessary services;

False cost reports; and

Embezzlement of recipient funds.

What if I am a health care provider? If you are a Medicaid or Medicare medical provider, the government will claim the overpayment amount while entertaining the possibility of criminal prosecution. We can assist you in fighting back. Our attorneys will investigate the claims to protect you from unnecessary financial burdens. We will fight for each claim the federal programs have refused to pay for. In many cases, we will be able to negotiate an acceptable settlement with the government and save our clients from criminal prosecution.

ACC– — USED OF MEDICARE FRAUD IN MICHIGAN?

There can be many reasons for errors in billings, which were not caused by intentional deception of the Medicare system. These can include but are not limited to errors in clerical work, ill-intentioned employees, inadequate billing supervision and also inadequate supervision on the treatment area. In some cases there are even errors in the government documentation or processing itself. Experience and knowledge of the various factors which can be involved in a Medicare fraud case are vital in a strong defense. The prosecution must prove that the case involved a deliberate intention to deceive the government. Our skilled attorneys can help you and aggressively defend you.